'We learned from the Giro' - Tom Pidcock aims for a better GC at the Vuelta

In Italy, the Brit never truly featured in the fight for the top positions, eventually finishing 16th overall. His brightest moment came on stage 5, when he sprinted to third place. 

Since then, results have hinted at progress. At the Arctic Race of Norway he attacked with confidence, winning a stage and narrowly missing the overall to New Zealander Corbin Strong. That performance, combined with an altitude camp, has lifted both his own expectations and those of his team as the Vuelta approaches.

With his participation confirmed on Tuesday, Pidcock will be joined by Q36.5 teammates Damien Howson, David De La Cruz, Fabio Christen, Marcel Camprubí, Xabier Mikel Azparren, David González, and Nickolas Zukowsky.

“The course this year is very diverse but still typical of the Vuelta, with its many uphill finishes,” Pidcock said in a Q36.5 team statement. “There are plenty of stages with profiles that could suit a rider like me, and there’s even a stage in Andorra, quite close to where I live.”

Reflecting on his build-up, he added: “We learned from the Giro and had more time for thorough preparation this time, with an altitude camp and the Arctic Race of Norway. I’m curious to see what I can do in the general classification. For that, we have a strong team, with riders who each bring their own strengths. It’s a well-rounded group, we’ve prepared well, and I’m really looking forward to starting in Piemonte this Saturday with the boys.”

Q36.5’s Alex Sans Vega echoed that optimism: “I am curious how far he can go in the GC because the course suits him perfectly. We have a strong team in general and I am confident for a good team performance. Tom will have Damo [Howson], Zuke [Nickolas Zukowsky] and Xabier Mikel [Azparren] with him, like he did in the Giro d’Italia. A special mention for David de la Cruz who brings experience and knows this race so well.”

For De la Cruz, the Vuelta carries particular meaning. It is Q36.5’s first wildcard invitation from organisers ASO, after making their Grand Tour debut at the Giro earlier this year. “I am grateful to the organisers we have the opportunity to race here,” he said. “It helps the team grow. I will help Tom like in Tirreno [Adriatico] where we were a good tandem. He is exploring his capacities as a Grand Tour rider. No one knows yet, even himself, what he can do and I am happy to help with my experience but I also look forward to get my own chance when one presents itself.”

The Vuelta gets underway on 23 August with 21 stages running until September 14 for the conclusion in the Spanish capital.